Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Most Popular Drugs Abused Today

Alcohol addiction is ranked as the third most life threatening
lifestyle disease. In the United States, approximately 79,000 deaths per year
are related to alcohol use. Alcohol is found in malt or distilled liquor, wine,
regular beer and distilled spirits. The amount of alcohol present in these
drinks differs, with distilled liquor and spirits containing the highest amount
of alcohol. People get alcohol from bars and pubs, restaurants as well as
supermarkets. Besides alcohol, the following are other most used drugs:

• Marijuana. This drug is legal in some countries, but illegal
in the United States without a prescription from a licensed doctor. It has some
medicinal properties that have been found to be specifically helpful to cancer
patients. However, it is more often used as a narcotic for relaxation and
entertainment purposes. Its abuse can impart adverse effects on the user. The
side effects of this drug affect the memory and motivation of the user. Most
people who abuse this drug get it illegally from drug dealers who are found in
and around high schools, or even adult friends. Popular terms used to refer to
marijuana include hemp and weed.

• Cocaine. This drug comes from coca, a plant that is popularly
grown in Latin America. This drug has been used to make pain- killers and
refreshing drinks, because of its medicinal qualities and impacts on the energy
levels of the user. However, it is one of the most popularly abused drugs,
especially by the rich. Abuse of this drug leads to hallucinations, paranoia
and an increase in heart rate while using. Although it is completely illegal in
the United States, cocaine users get it from drug dealers and it is fairly
easily accessible.

• Adderall. This is medication that is prescribed by physicians
as a remedy for ADHD. It can help calm down and focus those with ADHD but is
also an appetite suppressant and reacts like speed in the average person's
body. This medication has become more popular among college-aged kids and even
new mom's because it helps with weight loss and keeps your energy level up
throughout the day. Its side effects include temporary insanity while on the
medication. It is easily accessible from your medical physician if ADHD has
been diagnosed for someone in the family.

• Heroin. This is a highly addictive drug that was once used to
relieve coughs. Today it is unfortunately one of the most popular illegal drugs
in our high schools. It has been said that it's so addictive that trying it
just once will get the person hooked. Side effects of Heroin use include
shortness of breath, dry mouth, small pupils, cycles of hyper alertness followed
by suddenly falling asleep and a droopy appearance. This drug is only
accessible from drug dealers.

• LSD. This drug is illegal due to its life threatening effects.
Its use is associated with visual hallucinations and strange experiences. Young
people enjoy it because it takes you away from your daily troubles to a
different, colorful, thought-provoking place. People who are high on the drug
will often have dilated pupils, extreme changes in thought patterns, feelings
on insight, confusion or paranoia and quickly changing emotions. While an
individual is on LSD he is unable to make sensible judgments, which can lead to
making dangerous choices. Long lasting side effects can include flashbacks and
severe depression. People who abuse this drug get it from drug dealers.

For people who find themselves using any of these drugs in a
manner that is adversely affecting their life, Alcohol and Drug Education
classes online can help get on the road to sobriety.

All of these drugs mentioned can lead to serious health and
behavior issues. Some include:

• Accidental injuries

• Risky sexual behaviors

• Violence

• Miscarriage

• Alcohol poisoning

• Neurological complications

• Cancer

• Social problems

• Liver diseases

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Violence

Some of these effects are short-term while others are long-term
and can eventually lead to death. Taking online classes can be a beneficial
step towards recovery as they teach students information on the effects of
alcohol and drug use, and how excessive use can lead to serious health issues.

Dr. Ari Novick is the President of AlcoholDrugClass.com. A
website dedicated to educating people about alcohol awareness. Click here for
more information onAlcohol Awareness Classes